Harvey Weinstein catches fever in prison and will be ‘closely monitored’ for Covid-19

Watch: Harvey Weinstein is ill and it could be coronavirus

Harvey Weinstein is unwell and is being “closely monitored” in prison, a representative for the disgraced Hollywood mogul said.

A spokesman for the convicted rapist said he had a fever and that “it was no surprise” that he is suffering ill health.

A prison spokesman said it did not comment on individual cases but added that prisoners with coronavirus symptoms are immediately quarantined and tested.

Weinstein, 68, who was behind films including Shakespeare in Love and Pulp Fiction, is serving a 23-year sentence for rape at Wende Correctional Facility, near Buffalo in upstate New York.

The once all-powerful film producer is considered vulnerable to coronavirus due to his age, weight and other medical issues, including a heart condition and high blood pressure.

A spokesperson for Weinstein told TMZ: "It should come as no surprise that Mr. Weinstein has numerous maladies and conditions including a heart condition, high blood pressure and spinal stenosis.

"We are working with the NYSDOCCS and the excellent team at Wende CF to ensure Mr. Weinstein receives the proper medical attention he needs."

Weinstein’s health was a focus during his trial.

He arrived at court looking frail and walking with the aid of a frame and his lawyers tried to minimise his jail term by telling a judge a lengthy one was a “a de facto life sentence”.

After his February 24 conviction, Weinstein was sent to Bellevue Hospital amid concerns about high blood pressure and heart palpitations.

Weinstein is also facing charges of sexual assault in Los Angeles and is alleged to have attacked five women in California from 2004 to 2013.

If convicted, Weinstein faces up to 140 years to life in state prison.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles are attempting to put Weinstein on trial and are seeking temporary custody of the convicted rapist from New York.An extradition hearing is set for December in Buffalo.

In September, Weinstein was stripped of his CBE.The former movie mogul was granted an honorary CBE, for his contribution to the British film industry, in 2004.

A notice in The Gazette, the UK’s official public record, said: “The Queen has directed that the appointment of Harvey Weinstein to be an Honorary Commander of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, dated 29 January 2004, shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.”

Watch: Harvey Weinstein sued for damages over alleged sexual assault

Additional reporting by PA